Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has cautioned that fully implementing the proposed conditions of service for nurses and midwives could significantly destabilize Ghana’s economy.
His remarks come as the nationwide strike by members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) continues to disrupt healthcare services.
Speaking during a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Akandoh reaffirmed the government’s willingness to negotiate but stressed the financial challenges posed by the nurses’ demands.
“The government will again stress its readiness to further engage with the view of implementing the conditions of service in a manner that does not dislocate the national budget”.
The minister explained that the proposed benefits were not accounted for in the 2025 national budget and could lead to major economic instability if implemented immediately.
“We wish to draw your attention to the fact that the conditions under reference are not captured in the 2025 budget and will completely throw the economy off gear if implemented immediately in the manner it currently exists”.
He emphasized government’s awareness of the rush associated with unplanned spending, “We are mindful of the serious economic consequences of unbudgeted expenditure, and we want to avoid the economic factors that led to the crisis in the first place”.
Akandoh assured that steps are being taken to finalize a roadmap for the gradual implementation of nurses’ revised service conditions.
“Government remains committed to the needed engagement that will lead to the approval and implementation of the new conditions of service for nurses and midwives. Accordingly, the government has directed the Minister of Finance and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to, as a matter of urgency, lead the development of a roadmap to ensure a smooth implementation of the process”.
As hospitals and clinics nationwide struggle with staff shortages, the government has urged the GRNMA leadership to return to negotiations and work toward a sustainable compromise.
